Tyrrell Hatton is one step behind leader Daniel Hillier after round three of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy took his place.
Hatton shot a 4-under 68 to move to 12-under for the tournament and become the favorite to win his fifth Rolex Series event with Hillier in unfamiliar territory.
The New Zealander appeared to be under pressure after a hat-trick of bogeys on the back nine, but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hatton.
Top 10 after Round 3 of Dubai Desert Classic
“It was tough out there, especially with the wind howling in the middle of the round, but I’m happy with the way I finished,” Hatton said.
“I don’t really feel comfortable with the ball. I don’t know why. I hit good shots most of the time. I guess I was unlucky sometimes, but my putts rarely go in. I’ve got to make some tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot (to win). I remember waking up as a kid and being excited to see the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s a game every player wants to have on their resume.”
Hatton trailed Daniel Hillier by one stroke in the final round in Dubai.
Hillier likes final round tests.
Hillier, ranked 223rd in the world, has a chance to claim the biggest title of his career so far with his only European Tour win coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hillier was up by four strokes at one point and said a win Sunday would be “life-changing.”
“It was hard work, but I had a great time out there,” Hillier said. “I don’t think I’ve ever played with Tyrrell before, so it will be fun and a good test. I’m sure he’ll be keen to get his hands on the trophy.”
Intermediate leader Ewen Ferguson had a difficult Saturday with two birdies and four bogeys, while New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Canter are four strokes behind Hillier.
McIlroy doesn’t give up
Despite moving up to 12th place, McIlroy’s hopes of winning the Dubai Desert Classic for the fifth time were dashed.
The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major in 2025, started the day with a nine-shot lead and closed with a 69 to close the deficit by seven.
He failed to record a birdie on the first nine holes and had a bogey on the eighth, but came back strong and shot a 3-under 69 to finish at 6 under par.
Rory McIlroy leads the UAE by seven strokes.
“I got off to a bit of a slow start again. I played a lot better on the back nine,” McIlroy said.
“I hit the ball well. The conditions were tough. It was very windy and difficult to get the ball close to the flag. I wish I had made a few better shots, but I am happy with the way I played.”
McIlroy will likely need a special performance to propel himself to defend his title and take down his main rivals.
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McIlroy said, “If the conditions were right, we could have done that before (63).
“If we can score on the front nine, that’s key. If we can get off to a faster start tomorrow, we have a chance.”
Watch the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 7am on Sunday or stream NOW.
